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Quick King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ cchopped yellow onion
- 1 cchopped red bell pepper
- ¾ cchopped poblano pepper
- 1 tbspfinely chopped jalapeño
- 1 tbspminced garlic
- ½ tspground cumin
- 2 tbspall-purpose flour
- 1 cunsalted chicken broth
- 2 ozreduced-fat cream cheese
at room temperature
- 2 cchopped cooked chicken breast
- 110-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with green chiles
drained
- 26-inch corn tortillas
torn into pieces
- ¼ tspsalt
- ½ cshredded mexican-blend cheese
- 2 tbspchopped fresh cilantro
Directions
- 1
Preheat broiler to high.
- 2
Heat oil in a medium broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion, bell pepper, poblano and jalapeño; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 7 to 9 minutes. Add garlic and cumin; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until they are thoroughly coated, about 1 minute.
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- 3
Add broth and bring to a boil, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, tortilla pieces and salt. Sprinkle evenly with cheese.
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- 4
Place the skillet under the broiler and broil until the cheese is melted and browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro.
Quick King Ranch Chicken Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 25 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a cozy, comforting dinner that's both satisfying and surprisingly quick? This Quick King Ranch Chicken Casserole delivers all the classic Tex-Mex flavors you love in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight hero.
Why This Recipe Works
This King Ranch casserole shines by combining convenience with thoughtful ingredient choices. It's designed to be an easy, weeknight-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste. The smart use of reduced-fat cream cheese and no-salt-added diced tomatoes helps keep it lighter while still delivering a rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
What to Expect
Prepare for a hearty, flavorful casserole brimming with tender cooked chicken, sweet bell peppers, smoky poblano, and a kick from jalapeño, all bound together in a savory sauce. Each bite offers a comforting blend of creamy texture, the subtle spice of cumin, and the fresh zest of cilantro. Layered with corn tortillas and topped with melted Mexican-blend cheese, this dish is a delicious, balanced meal at just 332 calories per serving.
Customization & Variations
This adaptable casserole makes it easy to suit your preferences. Instead of chicken, consider using cooked turkey for a different flavor profile or black beans for a vegetarian option. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño, or swap red bell pepper for green if that's what you have on hand. For an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika would complement the poblano beautifully.
Serving & Context
This Quick King Ranch Chicken Casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. Serve it hot from the oven, perhaps with a simple side salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a touch of cool creaminess. It's a comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite.